But they share a common struggle, living without a place to call home. KTAB/KRBC caught up with the pair as they rested in a grassy field, planning what they would need to do before the sun set on Thursday, for a conversation about their lived experience of homelessness.
“What are your plans for the rest of the day?” KTAB/KRBC asked.
“Today? I was going to see if I could get some canned goods at the church.” Said 66-year-old Gutierrez.
“I’ve got a girlfriend that invited me over to stay a night or two. That’s where I’m going.” Diede said.
Each day, they face a new list of tasks, such as figuring out where they need to be to get a meal or somewhere to rest and how to get there promptly. The season’s low temperatures bring an extra urgency to their schedules and the equipment they’ll have to carry with them.
“It’s pretty cold, especially in the morning, around 6, 5, and that’s when it’s the coldest. Some guy gave me some blankets. I keep them stashed so nobody will find them and take them.” Shared Gutierrez.
“This right here is pretty warm,” Diede said while uncovering a large dry blanket she had underneath wrapped up underneath a tarp. “And it’s very nice, and I don’t want to get it dirty, so I do cover it up.” Said Diede.
Gutierrez displayed a half of a can of ‘Luncheon Loaf” he had recently eaten as his lunch for the day. Though they both say they like to use various local outreach programs, such as Love & Care Ministries, for a warm meal.
Things like shelter from the elements, transport, and where to find a meal take considerable thought and planning, things others in better-off situations might take for granted. On top of the daily fight for survival, Diede and Gutierrez say they have more long-term goals they work towards when they can.
“I get food stamps, only like $77 a month. I got my disability, retirement, and $560 a month.” Said Gutierrez.
He explained that what he currently receives still does not net him enough to pay rent on a regular residence.
“They’re still working on my case with the housing authority… I mean, once I can get everything straightened out and start getting my full benefits, I can afford a place or probably get into housing. I’ve been waiting for that to get off the streets, but I don’t know how long that will take.” Gutierrez said.
Meanwhile, Diede says employment has been her long-term focus when she’s not seeing her daily needs. She regularly monitors her phone so she doesn’t miss any information on applications she’s filled out.
When it comes to chipping away at those goals, both say Abilene does have one positive aspect compared to other places they’ve lived while unhoused.
“Well, the resources here are really good,” Diede said.
Gutierrez names organizations such as Love & Care Ministries, Mission Abilene, the plethora of churches, and sobriety programs like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous as entities that help them rely on a regular meal or new clothing so that they can put more time and effort towards long term change and hopefully getting off the streets.
“There’s plenty of resources, you know? But you’ve got to work the program. Fill out them applications, as many applications as you can. Show up and show that you want a job.” Said Diede.
And for all the other things they need, Diede and Gutierrez say the ‘brotherhood’ often helps see them through. The ‘Brotherhood’ is Diede’s way of describing the kinship and support seen between themselves and fellow people experiencing homelessness.
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